Books by L. E. Modesitt Jr.

A magical calamity spread a dark age across the planet, leaving Corea a divided, warring world where kingdoms fight and people live amongst supernatural beings and bizarre animals. A few rare humans have Talent, the ability to use magical powers, and are thus either cursed or blessed.Alucius is one of the most Talented of all, and is now rising quickly through the ranks of the Iron Valleys Militia. He has to have all his wits about him to survive in a complex political landscape, having spent his childhood on an isolated nightsheep ranch. He must stretch his Talent and military skill to their limits, as he battles to keep himself and his men alive in a a fierce border war, while the greatest evil yet awaits him where he least expects to find it.

Van C. Albert is a commander in the Republic Space Force of Taran. His bravery led to the defeat of a larger enemy ship but caused the inadvertent destruction of a civilian liner. Although his name was cleared, he now seems doomed to a life of backwater postings. He can only watch as a simmering cold war erupts into a fierce interstellar war, fuelled by the pull of religious fanaticism, economic and political rivalry.Van is seriously wounded on assignment, and wakes from a coma to find that he has been decorated and summarily retired from military service. Desperate to escape boredom, he jumps at the chance to fly a starship for the Integrated Information Systems foundation. Seemingly harmless, the IIS's influence is far reaching and Van soon finds himself at the centre of the action, a key player in a war which will shake all human worlds.

* The second book in the epic Spellsong Cycle from the author of the hugely popular Saga of Recluce.